School Supplies – Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialtyhttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com
Classroom must haves for teachers plus essential teacher supplies, lesson plans and activities.Mon, 16 Oct 2017 18:06:03 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.10Three Fall Classroom Color Schemeshttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/three-fall-classroom-color-schemes/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/three-fall-classroom-color-schemes/#respondFri, 13 Oct 2017 11:00:24 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4882There are different ways to bring the feeling of the fall season into the classroom, and often it starts with choosing a palette or theme. Whether you’re thinking that you’d like to go with the traditional warm hues, or want something a little more Halloween-feeling, we’ve got the ideas you need to get your […]

]]>There are different ways to bring the feeling of the fall season into the classroom, and often it starts with choosing a palette or theme. Whether you’re thinking that you’d like to go with the traditional warm hues, or want something a little more Halloween-feeling, we’ve got the ideas you need to get your room in shape for the season.

Three Fall Classroom Theme Ideas

Fall Harvest, and Burlap

If you’re thinking of keeping things warm and cozy, this standard fall color scheme is the perfect choice. The reds, oranges, golds, and browns all work together to make any classroom feel more like a fall wonderland. Here are some items you can use to bring this fall theme to life:

Colorful Halloween Hues

Bright colors and some friendly/creepy creatures around the room can make your classroom space feel like a Halloween hang out all day long. Check out these fun ideas and products to use when dressing up your classroom this season:

More Classroom Decor Inspiration

If you’re looking for more decor ideas, check out more classroom themes. Our online store is full of fun and creative ways to decorate a classroom space. All it takes is an idea and a little creativity to make it come alive. Stop by the classroom decor store and give yourself a head start.

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/three-fall-classroom-color-schemes/feed/0October and Halloween Bulletin Board Design Ideashttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/october-halloween-bulletin-board-design-ideas/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/october-halloween-bulletin-board-design-ideas/#respondFri, 06 Oct 2017 21:33:09 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4896Halloween is just around the corner, and there are some really fun and easy ways to make bulletin boards that stand out on a spooky way. The following Halloween themed boards like these are created with affordable materials and don’t require expert skills. Bring some Halloween cheer into your classroom with one of these […]

]]>Halloween is just around the corner, and there are some really fun and easy ways to make bulletin boards that stand out on a spooky way. The following Halloween themed boards like these are created with affordable materials and don’t require expert skills. Bring some Halloween cheer into your classroom with one of these cute October and Halloween bulletin board ideas.

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/october-halloween-bulletin-board-design-ideas/feed/0Easy Mod Podge Classroom Decoration Ideashttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/easy-mod-podge-classroom-decoration-ideas/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/easy-mod-podge-classroom-decoration-ideas/#respondThu, 05 Oct 2017 11:00:12 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4868Mod Podge might just be one of the greatest inventions out there (aside from the laminator!). Not only does it make for fun craft projects for kids, but it offers up plenty of options for easy classroom decor projects. There’s no need to stress with Mod Podge involved because decoupage is one of the […]

]]>Mod Podge might just be one of the greatest inventions out there (aside from the laminator!). Not only does it make for fun craft projects for kids, but it offers up plenty of options for easy classroom decor projects. There’s no need to stress with Mod Podge involved because decoupage is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give some everyday items a makeover. Read on and see some great ideas for bringing a little Mod Podge creativity into the classroom.

What Kind of Paper Works Best for Mod Podge Projects?

Mod Podge is a water-based and non-toxic substance that can be used as a glue and sealant for crafts and projects. It is not food safe, and not waterproof, but is quite durable once completely dry.

The thinner the paper, the trickier it is to Mod Podge without wrinkles or tears. It’s easier as a beginner to start out with thicker paper, like scrapbook paper, and transition to thinner paper after a little practice. Paper without any coating on it will Mod Podge more easily, as the fibers in the paper have a better grip than smooth, coated ones do. Of course, with patience and the right mixture of Mod Podge and time, most paper can be securely fixed and sealed onto the intended surface. Most fabrics also a good option for a Mod Podge project.

Some materials that don’t work with Mod Podge are felt, shiny plastic, and items coated with a polymer like Teflon. To completely seal a project, two or three coats of Mod Podge may be necessary, and it should be left to dry for up to 72 hours.

DIY Classroom Decor With Mod Podge

Here are some ideas for bringing Mod Podge projects into classroom decorations. Custom decor items are one of a kind, and a great way to share personality and fun in the classroom space.

Get All Your Craft & DIY Classroom Decor Tools Online

If you’re looking to get started on Mod Podge projects and need to get your hands on the right tools, go no further. We’ve got you covered with all the paper, scissors, brushes and Mod Podge you could possibly need.

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/easy-mod-podge-classroom-decoration-ideas/feed/012 First-Year Teacher Must-Haveshttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/12-first-year-teacher-must-haves/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/12-first-year-teacher-must-haves/#respondTue, 29 Aug 2017 20:46:33 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4668New teachers have a lot to learn, and a lot to buy. Many new teachers go into the first year trying to make sure they have all the important bases covered, and that might be enough, but why not use tips from other teachers? Get your first teaching year under your belt with the […]

]]>New teachers have a lot to learn, and a lot to buy. Many new teachers go into the first year trying to make sure they have all the important bases covered, and that might be enough, but why not use tips from other teachers? Get your first teaching year under your belt with the right tools in hand.

New Teacher Tips for Must-Have Items

Before you buy any extra items for your classroom, check out what is already available for you for free. Many schools offer paper to cover bulletin boards, a laminating machine, etc. Ask around, and then take a look at your budget. There are certain items listed below that teachers have said made the school year easier.

Organizational Tools

Post-it Notes

You’ve heard it before, but teachers love Post-it notes. They are the perfect combination of form and function, coming in a variety of colors and sizes.

Bins and Boxes

You can’t go wrong with storage, and buying more than you need is always the better option. Choose bins of all different sizes and colors to fit your needs. Not only can you store supplies in them, but you can decorate them and add to the overall theme of the classroom.

Writing Utensils

This is a long list, but you’ll need to make sure you have them all: markers, highlighters, pencils, and pens. Keep special sets just for yourself to use, as many of the classroom supplies will be lost or damaged throughout the busy school year. (Perhaps tuck some away in one of your bins!)

Filing Folders

Filing folders and a filing cabinet can be a life-saver when it comes to keeping important papers. Store your worksheets, colored printer paper, and student papers in neat filing folders to keep things neat and tidy. Hanging file folders can also go into file folder bins, which are lighter and easier to move than the average filing cabinet.

Classroom Decor

Calendar

The classroom calendar is a classic part of most rooms, and for good reason! Not only does it help students to get a feel for the months of the year and events coming up, but it helps you to keep track of important dates like student birthdays. Your calendar can be as functional or as decorative as you like!

Information Center

Keep important information like your classroom rules, procedures, and fire drill maps in one location. This will be helpful whenever you need to reference a rule about the dress code, and also will give students and substitute teachers one place to look if they have any questions.

Book Display

You might not be able to afford a full library display in your classroom, but there are plenty of more affordable ways to display books. Use a hanging folder system or magazine holders to incorporate classroom books into the decor, while also reminding students of all their options for reading when they have time.

Bulletin Board Decor

Bulletin boards can be made purely for decorative purposes or to give students important information. Choose what you want to be on the board and then look for some fun, decorative items to dress it up. Students are more likely to read a board that looks put together and coordinates with the rest of the room.

For Yourself

A Nice Water Bottle

As a teacher, you do a lot of walking and talking. Both of these activities can really make a person thirsty. Keep a nice water bottle on hand to make water consumption easier and more fun. A drink of cold water might be just the thing you need during a midday slump.

A Mug You Like

There are going to be days when you just need a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. When that day arrives (if it isn’t every day), you’ll want to have a favorite mug to drink out of. Students often give teachers fun mugs as gifts, but you can also bring one in that showcases a bit of your personality.

Good Kleenex

School tends to be a place where germs collect, and most of us will have a cold or allergies at some point throughout a busy school year. Do yourself a favor and keep a box or pocket pack of nice kleenex on hand. Your nose will thank you!

A Photo or Several

Some days are tough, even if you love to teach. On those days, it can be a good reminder to have a photo or two of things that mean alot to you. That could be a beloved pet or spouse, or even a picture of a location that you like to spend time in.

Do you have suggestions for first-year teachers? What should be on their must-have list? Share your comments and must-have items below!

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/12-first-year-teacher-must-haves/feed/0Student Goal Setting Tips for Back to Schoolhttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/student-goal-setting-tips-for-back-to-school/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/student-goal-setting-tips-for-back-to-school/#respondWed, 16 Aug 2017 11:00:00 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4546Goal setting is healthy for all of us, and starting the habit of framing, setting, and following through on goals is an excellent habit to encourage in students of all ages. We improve our character by setting goals for ourselves in our educational, professional, and personal lives. Here are some tips for giving students […]

]]>Goal setting is healthy for all of us, and starting the habit of framing, setting, and following through on goals is an excellent habit to encourage in students of all ages. We improve our character by setting goals for ourselves in our educational, professional, and personal lives. Here are some tips for giving students a head start in goal setting for the new school year, and some tips for encouraging follow-through.

Tips for Goal Setting With Students

Setting goals helps your students to think about what they want to achieve this school year. If the thought process doesn’t seem to come very naturally, we have a few tips you can use to get students on the right track.

Tip 1: Ask students to think of someone they admire.

When considering goals they want to achieve, it can be helpful for students to imagine a role model in their life. Have them think of a person they admire and list the traits and/or achievements that makes this person special to them.

Tip 2: Have students reflect on the previous school year.

If students are struggling to think of academic goals, have them ponder some goals they achieved the previous year, even if they weren’t officially set. Previous achievements like reading a certain number of books, or learning a new skill are great inspiration for the new year’s goals.

Tip 3: Help students to think of things they are already good at.

For this goal setting inspiration, you might consider writing common skills or character traits that students have or should strive for on the board. Students might see that they are already good at long division, but might want to instead make a goal to show more kindness to other students. This is a good way to show that the goals don’t all have to be specific to academic achievement.

Tip 4: Explain the accountability process for student goals.

Explain to your students that you will be checking in on the progress of their goals throughout the year. Tell them that at the meetings you will be asking them questions about their specific goals, and consider offering a reward for the class (ex: extra recess, healthy snacks) if the goal check-in meetings go well.

Keep Student Goals Visible All Year

Of course, part of achieving goals is remembering that you made them! Explain to your students that they should have their goals written somewhere for them to remember throughout the year. Whether this means making a note in their locker or desk, or writing it in their student planner, it is an important part of goal setting to ensure that the students are reminded of their personal goals frequently to stay on track.

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/student-goal-setting-tips-for-back-to-school/feed/0Mom Bloggers Highlight Benefits of BTS Shopping Onlinehttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/everything-education/mom-bloggers-highlight-benefits-of-bts-shopping-online/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/everything-education/mom-bloggers-highlight-benefits-of-bts-shopping-online/#respondThu, 10 Aug 2017 19:20:18 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4589The start of a new school year can be overwhelming for students who don’t feel prepared, but School Specialty is a great resource for families who want to send students to school with what they need and more. Take a look at what some real moms, teachers, and students had to say about the […]

]]>The start of a new school year can be overwhelming for students who don’t feel prepared, but School Specialty is a great resource for families who want to send students to school with what they need and more. Take a look at what some real moms, teachers, and students had to say about the “beyond the basics” school supplies available through SchoolSpecialty.com.

One-Stop-Shopping for Back to School at School Specialty

It can be tough to get students interested in STEAM activities outside of school, but Jamonkey is using a fun game! She’s also found a great way to use a dry-erase board in her home for family reminders.

Some students really struggle to focus on schoolwork when home or school chaos is out of control. MommaDJane highlights how some “beyond the basics” school supplies help her son focus.

Reviews & ideas from real Mom Bloggers:

Kids love the chance to choose their own school supplies, and the Mom Blogger at Little Tech Girl knows that they are more likely to stay organized throughout the year by following her example. See how she uses her own organization to teach her kids!

Managing tight schedules between multiple students can be tough, but with a new “beyond the basics” supplies on hand, this Mom Blogger at Macaroni Kid is sure she can handle the challenge. Read about her plans for success this BTS season.

Mommy Teaches is starting off this school year in a new home, with kids attending a new school. On top of that, she’s a teacher! Check out her unique plans for using some “beyond the basics” school supplies.

“I love how easy it is to order supplies on SchoolSpecialty.com. They have more than your pencils and crayons. They even have a whole section dedicated to special needs.” – MommaDJane

Things are looking great for A Parent in Silver Spring! Along with the convenience of shopping at School Specialty’s online store, she’s loving the wide range of items available. Check out what she has to say in her video review!

Not everyone has their own at-home office for a command center, and that means finding space elsewhere. See what Tough Cookie Mommy has done to take advantage of the one-stop-shop experience with School Specialty.

Mom in the City has a husband who is also a teacher. Check out his comments on what’s important for teachers getting ready for BTS, and how the “beyond the basics” tools from School Specialty can help.

“From items to help me set up an at-home command center, to unique and useful products to get my kids’ school year started on an energetic note, the School Specialty team truly hit it out of the park.” – Macaroni Kid

School supply lists have a lot on them, but there are a few “beyond the basics” items that the Mom Blogger at From Mom’s Desk thinks might make her student’s BTS season a little more exciting and organized. Check out the items that stand out from the average supply list.

Busy parents and students are out looking for great deals on school supplies. Save yourself time and effort by checking out the quick and easy way to get school supplies online like the Mom Blogger at Dancing Hotdogs.

Smooth travels, prepping for BTS, and organizing your home command center are three very different activities, but this Mom Blogger at Niecysms and Nesting highlights how easy it can be with School Specialty’s online store with everything you need in one place.

The Mom Blogger at ABC Creative Learning is taking control this school year. Without the usual excuses for lost pencils and pens, this organized mom is using “beyond the basics” school supplies to help students stay on track.

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/everything-education/mom-bloggers-highlight-benefits-of-bts-shopping-online/feed/06 Creative Ways to Use Caddies in Your Classroomhttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/6-creative-ways-to-use-caddies-in-your-classroom/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/6-creative-ways-to-use-caddies-in-your-classroom/#respondThu, 10 Aug 2017 11:00:31 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4621Storage and organization is something we all consider when purchasing supplies for a new school year. Keeping supplies clean, unbroken, and in their proper place might not always be possible, but classroom caddies can certainly help to make things a little easier. Check out these 6 creative ways to use colorful caddies and keep […]

]]>Storage and organization is something we all consider when purchasing supplies for a new school year. Keeping supplies clean, unbroken, and in their proper place might not always be possible, but classroom caddies can certainly help to make things a little easier. Check out these 6 creative ways to use colorful caddies and keep your classroom supplies in order this year.

6 Ideas for Using Caddies in the Classroom

One for Each Student Group

Whether you name your student groups by color, continent, number, or character trait, a caddy for each group will help to give students a sense of responsibility in keeping their supplies in order. Not only will having their own team supplies for projects give you a chance to see who takes care of supplies, but there’s a chance for you to reward student groups who haven’t lost any items by the end of each month.

One for Each Subject of the Day

Whether you’re teaching math, science, geography or language studies, you are bound to need different tools for the class. Caddies can be a great way to organize tools for each part of the day, and to make sure that supplies are kept organized and in good condition by only being used for specific lessons.

Caddies for Specific Classroom Games

Do you like to play games while teaching your students? Whiteboard activities, Bingo, puzzles, dice games, popsicle stick activities and other games with many parts and pieces all can be kept in a caddy and stacked on a shelf when not in use. Not only will it be an easy way to collect and organize all the pieces, but you’ll have them ready to grab and go when you need them.

Calming Caddy for Sensory Overload Tools

We’ve all seen students with a short fuse, or those who become overwhelmed when there’s too much going on. A calming caddy is a great way to have help ready for a student who needs a little more assistance when it comes to calming down. This caddy should be located in a secluded part of the room, away from the usual commotion and can be full of calming items like play dough, stress balls, squishy balls, and a small notepad with crayons to express feelings.

Student Rewards Caddy

While we don’t want to hand out rewards for students left and right, it can be nice to have a few small reward options in a special student reward caddy. Options for small rewards could be things like stickers, pencil cap erasers, extra credit coupons, free/late homework pass, or a piece of candy. Think of small items your students can earn, and even consider having two caddies with smaller prizes in one and cooler prizes in the other for bigger achievements.

Teacher Tools Caddy

Caddies are great for students, but can help keep teacher tools organized too! Make a crafty caddy for all your fun scissors and colored markers, or a laminating caddy for your lamination tools. There are tons of great ways to use caddies in the classroom to keep you and your students organized and ready to take on a great school year.

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/6-creative-ways-to-use-caddies-in-your-classroom/feed/0Building a Home Command Center for Back to Schoolhttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/building-home-command-center-back-school/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/building-home-command-center-back-school/#respondTue, 08 Aug 2017 11:00:05 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4551An organized space for keeping track of family to-do’s, scheduled events, after school activities and grocery lists can make a huge difference when it comes to starting the new school year off on the right foot. Usually called a “command center” this area of the home should be a place where all your events, […]

]]>An organized space for keeping track of family to-do’s, scheduled events, after school activities and grocery lists can make a huge difference when it comes to starting the new school year off on the right foot. Usually called a “command center” this area of the home should be a place where all your events, ideas and lists come together and are accessible and visible to everyone in need of the information. Here are a few tips from the team at School Specialty for getting your command center ready for the new school year.

5 Must Haves for Your Home Command Center

Don’t have a command center? Just want to take your command center space to the next level? We’ve got ideas for both of those situations, and affordable, attractive storage and organizational tools that make it easy and fun.

Family Calendar

The family calendar is a key part of any command center. This is where all the dates and events are recorded and will help family members to see what’s going on. Whether you’ve got a dentist appointment, dance lessons or a family get-together to remember, put it on the calendar to keep it in mind!

File Storage (Wall or Cabinet)

Your command center is bound to become cluttered with paperwork, bills, and notes if you don’t have a “home” for each type of item. Use wall storage for a command center with less space, or consider a filing cabinet or filing boxes for keeping important papers sorted and safe from the commotion of the house.

Post-it Notes for Reminders

Post-it notes are so much more than the classic yellow slips of paper that we all know so well. They come in many different shapes, sizes and with varying uses these days, and the right Post-its can really make reminders more organized and engaging. Take advantage of the Post-it flags for your daily planner or calendar, the Post-it roll and temporary Post-it whiteboard surfaces can make your command center more versatile than ever!

Pens and markers can also make a command center feel cluttered, so invest in a desk organizer to keep your push-pins, writing utensils and other small items neat and orderly.

To-Do Lists/Checklists

Finally, consider getting a clipboard or two to fit to-do lists and grocery lists that you can carry around the house while you brainstorm and return to the command center. Clipboards often have a hole in the top that works perfectly if you need to hang them on the wall. Otherwise, consider a basket where you can drop them off and pick them back up at any time.

Command Center Tools & Ideas at School Specialty

If you’d like to check out some of the command center tools available on our website, follow this link and take advantage of the large variety of tools in all shapes and colors to match your personal preferences and command center style.

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/building-home-command-center-back-school/feed/0Prepping Your Teacher Desk for Back to Schoolhttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/prepping-your-teacher-desk-for-back-to-school/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/prepping-your-teacher-desk-for-back-to-school/#respondTue, 01 Aug 2017 20:27:23 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4544You work hard to create the perfect learning environment for your students, but part of the room that often receives less attention is the teacher desk. This is your space in a room for your students, and it should be a place where you feel organized and can get work done. Whether you like […]

]]>You work hard to create the perfect learning environment for your students, but part of the room that often receives less attention is the teacher desk. This is your space in a room for your students, and it should be a place where you feel organized and can get work done. Whether you like your desk to be eye-catching, or just want a clean and organized space, we’ve got some tips for prepping your teacher desk for back to school.

6 Back to School Ideas for Your Teacher Desk

Dress Up That Filing Cabinet

Just because you have a filing cabinet full of your important papers, lesson plan ideas, and student information, doesn’t mean that it has to look like your everyday filing cabinet. Try labeling the drawers with decorative letters or cover the cabinet with decorative paper. Use Scotch Expressions tape to make a fun border, or add a temporary whiteboard surface to the side for notes or an inspirational phrase.

Keep Utensils Organized and Ready

Need a pen? Don’t spend 5 minutes trying to distinguish between your mechanical pencils and colored pens to leave a note or sign a document. Keep your pencils, pens, and markers organized, sorted, and easy to access. This see-through storage cube makes it easy to view your writing utensils, and this desktop organizer has a spot for your phone!

Hang Clipboards With Important Info

Need help remembering where students sit during back to school? Want to make sure you have access to your daily schedule? Hang some decorated clipboards on the wall next to or behind your desk if you have the space, and you’ll find they are useful as well as a great way to cover boring wall space. Make DIY decorative clipboards with your choice of playful, patterned paper!

Hide Under the Desk Mess

Using cheerful paper to cover the sides of your plain desk can be a great way to carry the theme of your classroom into your desk area. Wrapping paper or fun-colored paper rolls can be decorated and changed with the seasons. Students will love seeing the prints/colors and it’s also a budget-friendly way to update an older desk.

Keep Drink Rings Off Your Desk

Whether you’re a coffee consumer or you just prefer to drink some ice water out of a water bottle, you’re going to want to set your drink down when you sit at your desk. Save yourself the hassle of dealing with condensation and rings on your desk by investing in disposable absorbent coasters.

Hide Teacher-Only Essentials In the Drawer

There are some items that you’ll want to keep for yourself, and would prefer students didn’t get their hands on. These might include a set of Sharpie markers, your favorite gel pens, a couple rubber bands/hair ties, breath mints, cough drops, Advil, change for the vending machine, Post-it notes, a fresh dry erase marker, and a glue stick.

What are your teacher desk essentials? Did you come up with any fun ideas for making your teacher desk space your own this year? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below!

]]>http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/prepping-your-teacher-desk-for-back-to-school/feed/0Get Back In the Groove for the New School Yearhttp://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/get-back-in-the-groove-for-the-new-school-year/
http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/school-supplies/get-back-in-the-groove-for-the-new-school-year/#respondMon, 24 Jul 2017 11:00:20 +0000http://blog.schoolspecialty.com/?p=4467While summer vacation is still upon us, the new school year will be here before you know it. If you’re feeling a bit anxious about the upcoming fall term, you’re not alone. Here are some ideas to help you get into a back-to-school mindset. Reflect Ask yourself what you most enjoy about your work. […]

]]>While summer vacation is still upon us, the new school year will be here before you know it. If you’re feeling a bit anxious about the upcoming fall term, you’re not alone. Here are some ideas to help you get into a back-to-school mindset.

Reflect

Ask yourself what you most enjoy about your work. Think about your past teaching experience– namely, what worked, what didn’t, and how you can be more effective in the classroom. Consider ahead of time how you will deal with challenging situations at school. Decide when and how you will relax after work. Using your time effectively and managing stress are critical to achieving a healthy work-life balance.

Set Goals

Consider what you want to accomplish this year. Set manageable goals that are challenging, but not overwhelming. Decide how you will reward yourself for your successes, and don’t be too hard on yourself when you fall short.

Take Care of Yourself

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet so you can get the year off to a healthy start. Use this vacation time to do things you enjoy so you’ll feel rejuvenated on the first day.

Change It Up

While it’s good to have a routine, it can sometimes feel like we’re just doing the same old thing. Think about doing something a little out-of-the-ordinary this year. Set new rules to help you and your students stay more focused. Choose a theme for the year or for each grading period, and plan lessons and creative activities around it. The theme could be centered on a historic event, social cause, or other topic you’d like to explore.

Similarly, a change of scenery can help you transition to back-to-school mode. Rearrange or get fresh furniture. Decorate walls, bookcases, and file cabinets. Brightly-colored bulletin boards and revamped learning centers can spruce up your classroom and get you and your students excited about the new year, too.

Get Organized

Look for resources and time-management strategies that can free up your schedule. For example, you can find a treasure trove of materials online and from colleagues to reduce the amount of preparation you have to do “from scratch.”

While it’s tempting to take the whole summer off, seasoned educators recommend preparing for the new academic year a couple of weeks before it starts. Locate the resources you need and get your classroom organized before the first day. A little preparation and a positive outlook will help you close the book on back-to-school stress.